Upgrading Energy Technology - A Free-Market Solution

While politicians were debating how many billions in tax breaks should go to the energy industry and how much should go to renewable resources, home inspectors have been uncovering an untapped energy resource available in millions of American homes—replacing outdated energy technology. If all homes in the United States acquired today’s energy technology, we would use 25% less energy in our homes, saving about $30 billion per year.These technologies are mass-produced, widely available, and competitively priced. They need no tax incentives, though they may cost somewhat more initially. The energy savings resulting from these technologies more than compensate for the additional cost. I can say this after many years of experience directing an energy audit company that I founded, CMC Energy Services. Significant improvements have been made in residential energy technology during the past two decades.Today’s air conditioners, refrigerators, and heat pumps use half as much electricity as those made 20 years ago. Compact fluorescent lights use one-third the electricity required for incandescent lights. Today’s thermal low-e windows lose much less heat in the winter and keep out more heat from ...